Hi, Iām Jessica.
I live in Grand Junction with my husband, 9-year-old son, and 7-year-old daughter. As a family, we enjoy skiing, mountain biking, camping, going to galleries and museums, seeing live music, and eating yummy food. We enjoy indulging in what nature and culture has to offer.
I am an artist and art educator. As an artist, I enjoy working with multimedia, but I am a jeweler at heart. Currently, my jewelry consists of beadwork. I am inspired by indigenous beadwork from all over the world. I make fringe earrings, patches for hats, and am working on broaches. As an art educator, I believe that everyone is an artist. I enjoy working with people of all ages to bring their inner artist out and teach through visual art. I believe art sparks creativity, self-exploration, and perspective. The power of art gives people a voice when they can't find the words to express themselves, offers a safe place with no wrong answers, and brings beauty to our world. Art is dynamic, powerful, and uniquely individual
Currently:
Attending Maine College of Art and Design, working on getting my Expressive Arts Certification
I attended Northern Arizona University and received a:
Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in jewelry and metalsmithing
Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Art Education, certified K-12.
Some experiences that have shaped my teaching are:
Taught visual art at a public Elementary School in Flagstaff to 650 students each week
Developed a specialized art curriculum for students with Autism
2008-2016 Member of the Arizona and National Art Education Association
2015 awarded Arizona Art Educator of the Year
2015 awarded Outstanding Elementary Art Educator in Arizona
2016 Nominee for the Flagstaff, AZ Viola Awards, the Art Education category
2013-2016 I was an active board member of the Arizona Art Education Association
These experiences strengthened my skills personally and professionally. Being involved in the Flagstaff community and Arizona Art Education Association gave me opportunities to present at conferences, teach art educators a variety of skills, such as curriculum writing, innovative projects, art critique ideas, and connect with a unique crowd of artists. I also had the privilege of working with educators from around the country.
I look forward to inspiring you and creating with you!
